Catering Assistant

Sodexo; Tendring; On-site; GBP 9,400 - 13,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mental health resources

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Free health & wellbeing app with 24/7"

Discounts on high street brands

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Sodexo at Fryatt Community Hospital is seeking a Catering Assistant to prepare and serve nutritious meals, support ward-based catering, and maintain kitchen safety. You will handle food storage, HACCP records, and patient-facing service with a focus on accuracy and patient wellbeing.

The role requires NHS catering awareness, a Level 2 food hygiene certificate, and good teamwork with a professional, flexible approach. Training and uniform are provided.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a catering role.
• A Level 2 food hygiene qualification.
• Knowledge of catering procedures, HACCP, COSHH and health and safety.
• Good communication and customer-service skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• An understanding of confidentiality, particularly when working around patients.
• Basic computer skills.
• A professional, flexible and dependable approach.
• Previous NHS catering experience, COSHH or health-and-safety training, allergy awareness and experience working with patients or members of the public would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver food and beverages to the required standards.
• Issue and collect inpatient menus and support ward-based catering services.
• Receive and correctly store chilled, frozen and dry goods, ensuring appropriate stock rotation.
• Complete daily HACCP documentation, including food, fridge and freezer temperature records.
• Follow cleaning schedules and maintain clean, organised food-storage and cleaning areas.
• Clean and check equipment, reporting any faults or safety concerns.
• Monitor stock levels and replenish or order supplies when required.
• Follow food safety, COSHH, infection-control and health-and-safety procedures.
• Communicate professionally with patients, visitors and colleagues.
• Support and guide new team members when required.

Skills

Catering experience

Customer service

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Food hygiene Level 2

Job description

Job Description

Healthy outcomes start with positive patient experiences.

• 14 Hours / Monday to Sunday / Various shift patterns
• £12.92 per hour Evening and Weekend enhancements (where applicable)
• Parking / Blue Light Card
• Location isFryatt Community Hospital

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is:CO12 4EX

Please take the time to read the attached job description

Job Introduction

This job puts good food on the table.

As a Catering Assistant at Sodexo in Fryatt Community Hospital, you'll play an important part in preparing and serving nutritious, comforting meals that support patient recovery and wellbeing. You'll also help maintain a clean, safe environment in the kitchen and dining areas.With a cheerful attitude and great customer service, your presence can make a real difference in someone's day. Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your way.

What you'll do

• Prepare and deliver food and beverages to the required standards.
• Issue and collect inpatient menus and support ward-based catering services.
• Receive and correctly store chilled, frozen and dry goods, ensuring appropriate stock rotation.
• Complete daily HACCP documentation, including food, fridge and freezer temperature records.
• Follow cleaning schedules and maintain clean, organised food-storage and cleaning areas.
• Clean and check equipment, reporting any faults or safety concerns.
• Monitor stock levels and replenish or order supplies when required.
• Follow food safety, COSHH, infection-control and health-and-safety procedures.
• Communicate professionally with patients, visitors and colleagues.
• Support and guide new team members when required.

What you bring

• Previous experience in a catering role.
• A Level 2 food hygiene qualification.
• Knowledge of catering procedures, HACCP, COSHH and health and safety.
• Good communication and customer-service skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• An understanding of confidentiality, particularly when working around patients.
• Basic computer skills.
• A professional, flexible and dependable approach.
• Previous NHS catering experience, COSHH or health-and-safety training, allergy awareness and experience working with patients or members of the public would be advantageous.

What we offer

Working at Sodexo isn't just a job - it's a chance to make a difference every day. You'll be part of a supportive team, act with purpose, and thrive in a role where your work matters. We also offer a range of benefits to support you and your loved ones:

• Mental health and wellbeing resources
• Employee Assistance Programme (including financial/legal advice & personal support)
• Free health & wellbeing app with 24/7 virtual GP access
• Discounts on high street brands for you and your family
• Salary finance tools and financial wellbeing resources
• Retirement savings plan and life insurance
• Full training and protective uniform provided.
• Opportunities to gain experience through learning and development.
• Cycle to Work scheme & volunteering opportunities.
• Flexible working and a dynamic team environment
• Competitive pay

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all.As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On‑Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer.We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities.We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

We're a Disability Confident Leader employer.We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Clickhereto read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.

Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.